We find these properties to be as follows: (1) Linearity: The Indus texts are linearly written, like the vast majority of linguistic scripts (and unlike nonlinguistic systems such as medieval heraldry, Boy Scout merit badges, or highway/airport signs, systems frequently mentioned by Sproat and colleagues). (2) Directionality: There is clear evi- dence for directionality in the script: Texts were usually written from right to left, a fact that can be inferred, for example, from a sign being overwritten by another on its left on pottery (Lal 1966). Directionality is a universal characteristic of linguistic systems but not necessarily of nonlinguistic systems (e.g., heraldry, Boy Scout badges). (3) Use of Diacritical Marks: Indus symbols are often modified by the addition of specific sets of marks over, around, or inside a symbol.
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